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In Genesis 43-45, the narrative intensifies as the famine continues. Jacob's sons return to Egypt with Benjamin, as per Joseph's demand. Joseph, seeing Benjamin, is overwhelmed with emotion but conceals his identity. He invites them to a feast, seating them by age, to their astonishment. As a test, Joseph plants his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. When the brothers set out for home, they are stopped and searched, and the cup is found. Threatened with enslavement, Judah passionately pleads for Benjamin's release, offering himself as a substitute, as Benjamin's loss would devastate their father. Moved by Judah's plea, Joseph can no longer contain himself and reveals his identity to his stunned brothers. He forgives them, understanding their actions as part of a divine plan to preserve their family during the famine. The brothers reconcile, and Joseph urges them to bring Jacob and the entire family to Egypt.

Genesis 43-45

Read these Chapters
Chapter 43: Return to Egypt with Benjamin

The severity of the famine compels Jacob to send his sons back to Egypt for more grain. However, they are reluctant because of the Egyptian official's (Joseph's) demand to see Benjamin. Judah promises his father to protect Benjamin, emphasizing the necessity of bringing him to ensure their safety and the provision of grain. Reluctantly, Jacob agrees, sending gifts and double the amount of silver to repay the mysterious return of their previous payment. Upon their arrival, Joseph invites them to his house. The brothers are fearful, thinking they might be punished for the silver in their sacks. But Joseph's steward reassures them. When Joseph sees Benjamin, he is deeply moved but contains his emotions. They share a meal, with Benjamin receiving a portion five times larger than his brothers, a sign of special honor.

Chapter 44: The Silver Cup Test

Joseph decides to test his brothers further. He instructs his steward to fill their sacks with grain, return their silver, and place Joseph's silver cup in Benjamin's sack. As the brothers leave the city, they are soon overtaken by Joseph's steward, who accuses them of theft. The brothers vehemently deny the accusation, allowing a search and stating that the guilty party should be enslaved. To their horror, the cup is found in Benjamin's sack. Devastated, they return to the city. Judah, in particular, steps forward, recounting the promise he made to their father and offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin.

Chapter 45: Joseph Reveals His Identity

Unable to hold back his emotions any longer, especially after hearing Judah's heartfelt plea, Joseph sends away all his Egyptian attendants and reveals his true identity to his brothers. They are initially stunned and terrified, but Joseph calms them. He explains that their actions, though intended for harm, were used by God to preserve life during the famine. He urges them to return to Canaan, bring their father, Jacob, and settle in the region of Goshen in Egypt where they will be provided for. The chapter closes with Pharaoh hearing the news and happily endorsing Joseph's invitation, offering wagons and provisions for the journey.

Genesis 41-42
Summaries
Genesis 46-47